Town News Briefing

PLAINVILLE -- The Plainville Senior Center will host an art exhibit and digital piano concert at the senior center from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on June 20.

The exhibit will consist of art from the senior center's drawing and painting class, led by Pat Matolla. Many were finalists and winners in this year's CCCI Art of Successful Aging Competition.

AREAWIDE

Youth Work Program

Taking Applications

The Human Resources Agency of New Britain is accepting applications for the Summer Youth Employment & Learning Program.

Applicants must be 14-18 years old and be attending school. The program is open to residents of New Britain, Berlin and Bristol. Income eligibility is required (free or reduced lunch). Participants will be paid either a weekly stipend or hourly rate for 20 hours per week. Participants will gain valuable work experience, learn about the world of work and participate in classroom activities as well. Applications are available at the guidance departments at New Britain and E.C. Goodwin high schools, or call 860-223-0889. The application deadline is Friday.

HRA is also hiring a coordinator to oversee the five individual programs in New Britain, Berlin and Bristol. In HRA's program, positions are available for three teachers/supervisors who will lead groups of 15 students in the classroom once per week and perform project work four days per week. In addition, volunteers are needed to assist the teachers and provide mentoring and direction to the students in completing their community projects.

Those interested in volunteering or applying for the teacher or coordinator positions should contact Beth Kintner at HRA at 860-225-8601, Ext. 319 or online at bkintner@hranbct.org

NEW BRITAIN

Abstinence Day

Carnival For Youths

NEW BRITAIN -- The Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain Inc. will host its second annual Abstinence Day Carnival for youths aged 12 to 18 on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at One Liberty Square. The rain date is June 24.

The theme is ``Abstinence Until Marriage.'' In partnership with OIC of America Inc., OIC New Britain will address abstinence until marriage even for youths who are sexually active. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children. The parks and recreation department will bring out its moon walk, rock climbing, and ring toss game. There will be raffles and free food, including popcorn and cotton candy. Call OIC for further information at 860-224-7151.

FARMINGTON

Stop & Shop Expected

To Seek Expansion

FARMINGTON -- Supermarket operator Stop & Shop expects to apply to the town this week for permission to enlarge its outdated store and bring 120 new jobs to its Route 4-Farmington Avenue shopping plaza in Unionville.

The Massachusetts-based grocer recently unveiled artists' renderings of its proposed new store, a new retail-office building and improvements to the nearby riverscape to Unionville residents.

Supporters of the Unionville Village Improvement Association view a renewed Stop & Shop, 1823 Farmington Ave., as an anchor to an ambitious commercial and residential revitalization taking shape in the historic neighborhood.

If the local planning and zoning commission approves, work on the new Stop & Shop would begin this fall and be completed in late fall of 2007, said Timothy M. Mahoney, the chain's senior director of real estate. The store will remain open for most of the construction, Mahoney said.

When reopened, the revamped store will boost its annual payroll to $4 million, he said.

BERLIN

Police Department

To Buy Tasers

BERLIN -- The police department will spend $13,000 on 10 Tasers.

The town council last week approved the department's request to transfer $13,000 from its dispatch personnel account to purchase the Tasers. The council did not fund the department's request for the weapons in the 2006-07 budget.

Capt. Ludwig Schubert said the 10 Tasers will allow the department to equip five officers on each shift with weapons. The department currently has four Tasers.

The department will purchase the weapons from the sole distributor in the state, Tom Ashmore Enterprises Inc. in Woodbury, Schubert said.